isn't it? [taylor swift]

chapter 24

The final notes of Leia's song hung in the air, resonating through the studio. She opened her eyes, meeting Riven's approving gaze and Adrian's subtle nod. A mixture of pride and relief washed over her as she realised they had just listened to the last track of her debut album.

A few weeks had passed since the Tommy Hilfiger show, and a lot had changed in that time.

Firstly, Georgie had officially accepted her offer to study at Columbia, which had encouraged Leia to officially make the switch from Los Angeles to New York City. It was a surreal change at first, but the sisters were enjoying being able to freely see each other.

Azul had came with them, having no issues about relocating to the city. Leia had told him it was okay for him to not want to move, and that she didn't expect him to do so, but he had just told her that it was too good an opportunity for him to turn down. Leia didn't argue with that - if that was what he wanted then who was she to tell him no?

It seemed like Tate even enjoyed it more. He was a frequent visitor to Central Park and Leia had found it much easier to blend in on the streets of NYC than she had in Los Angeles. The paparazzi here was nicer - and there were many more interesting people than her to be photographed. She found herself more relaxed about stepping out and about, knowing less people were expecting to find a celebrity on the street.

Of course... there was another factor that was making the move even more enjoyable: Leia and Taylor were spending an unprecedented amount of time together. 

Mark and Drew, Taylor's two main bodyguards, were even starting to hang out with Azul on their down-time. Drew, in particular, had became very fond of Tate and would even come over on his days off to walk the dog with Azul when Leia was held up at the studio. 

She'd been in the studio religiously. So had Taylor - well, Taylor had been in Jack Antonoff's home-based studio in Brooklyn a lot, while Leia had been heading into Electric Lady - recommended by Jack himself when Leia moved into the area. It was nice, it was almost too nice for her, and she liked it.

That was where she had finished her album recording, and where Riven, Adrian and Leia were currently as she finished playing the full album run to the two men. Riven was currently working his way through the planning and guest list for the wrap party he was throwing on her behalf, and Adrian was on the phone to the label execs.

Leia sank into the plush leather couch, her fingers flying across her phone screen as she texted Georgie. The soft tapping of her nails against the glass provided a rhythmic counterpoint to Riven's voice as he read through the guest list for her album wrap party.

"So we've got the usual suspects," Riven said, his eyebrows furrowing as he scrolled through his tablet. "Your family, of course. Georgie is going to sort the flights and charge it to your card, so I'm sure your parents will love that... Some label execs. A few industry friends..."

Leia glanced up, catching sight of Adrian pacing near the soundboard, his phone pressed to his ear. His low, authoritative voice carried snippets of conversation about release dates and promotional schedules.

"Earth to Leia," Riven called, a playful lilt in his voice. "Any other names you want to add to the list?"

"Oh, um, not off the top of my head," Leia blinked, her eyes refocusing on Riven who was watching her with an amused smile on his face. Considering she had just finished her freshman album, she was a lot more reserved than he expected from her. "But maybe we should keep it kind of intimate? You know, just the people who really matter."

Adrian's voice rose slightly as he interjected, "We need to maximize exposure, Leia. The more influential guests, the better."

Leia felt a twinge of anxiety at Adrian's words. She respected his expertise, but sometimes his focus on the business side of things felt at odds with her desire for authenticity. It wasn't just her that had been feeling the heat of the press recently - Taylor was being hounded left, right and centre, Georgie had now received her very first 'Who is Georgie Hudson: Leia Hudson's nepotistic sister...' article and her parents had been stopped in their local supermarket by a newspaper reporter from their town.